Benton County, WA Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- BCC 3.08.010
- Code adopted
- 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (with Appendices A, B, I)
- Excluded chapters
- UPC Chapters 12 and 14, plus venting/sewer portions
- Contractor requirement
- Certificate of competency under RCW 18.106
- Administering agency
- Benton County Building Department, BCC 3.08.070
Summary
Benton County adopts the 2021 Edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code under BCC 3.08.010, requiring every plumbing installation, alteration or repair in unincorporated territory to conform to that code, with limited local exceptions for venting, combustion air and building sewers.
3.08.010 ADOPTION OF UNIFORM PLUMBING CODE AND UNIFORM PLUMBING CODE STANDARDS. The 2021 Edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code, including appendices A, B and I and Uniform Plumbing Code Standards published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, except Chapters 12 and 14 thereof and those requirements of the Uniform Plumbing Code relating to venting and combustion air of fuel fired appliances as found in chapter 5 and those portions of the code addressing building sewers, as now adopted or hereafter amended by the State of Washington, is hereby adopted by Benton County and all plumbing hereafter installed, altered, repaired, added to, used or maintained shall be done in conformity with the provisions of the Uniform Plumbing Code and Uniform Plumbing Code Standards, except as expressly provided herein.
Full Breakdown
010, most recently amended by Ord. 651 (2024), adopts the 2021 Edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code and its Appendices A, B and I, plus the Uniform Plumbing Code Standards published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, as amended by the State of Washington. The county excludes Chapters 12 and 14 of that code, along with the venting-and-combustion-air provisions in Chapter 5 and the portions addressing building sewers, from local adoption. Every plumbing system 'hereafter installed, altered, repaired, added to, used or maintained' in unincorporated Benton County must conform to the adopted code.
106 RCW, and the Benton County Building Department will not issue a required plumbing permit until the applicant supplies proof of that certification and registration. 025. 070, appointing the inspector or inspectors responsible for all inspections the Uniform Plumbing Code requires.
Violations & Fines
Beginning plumbing work without the required certificate of competency and registration, or without a permit where one is required, violates BCC 3.08.080. The Building Department can withhold permit issuance entirely until certification proof is supplied, and general enforcement of BCC Title 3 building provisions includes civil penalties and injunctive relief for continued noncompliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What plumbing code does Benton County use?
Do I need a certification to do plumbing work in unincorporated Benton County?
Who inspects plumbing work in Benton County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Benton County
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